During World War 1, Harry Houdini took 1 year off performing to help sell war bonds and teach american soldiers how to escape from German handcuffs.
34
In 1518, a "dancing plague" struck Strasbourg, Alsace, whereby hundreds of people danced fervently in the streets over the period of a month. Some suffered heart attacks or strokes, and many others died from sheer exhaustion. It remains unexplained.
19
Two dogs were among the Titanic survivors.
262
Until President Kennedy was killed, it wasn't a federal crime to assassinate the President.
341
Harry S. Truman was the last U.S. President with no college degree.
55
During the Black Plague, it was thought that bad smells were the cause of the plague. "Plague Doctors" therefore wore masks with long beak-like noses stuffed with flowers or smoke to hide the smells.
19
Vikings used the skulls of their enemies as drinking vessels.
169